A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopping

Shopper's paradise: a stroll through the inner city

An extensive shopping spree is a mandatory part of an enjoyable city trip. Munich offers heavenly conditions to relish in a divine shopping frenzy – while being enveloped in an architectural ambience which is out of this world.

The first port of call for most shoppers is the central pedestrian zone in the Altstadt (Old Town) district (Kaufingerstrasse, Neuhauser Strasse, Marienplatz). Here, you can explore the many major department stores, saunter through branches of the top fashion and footwear chains and pop into a few souvenir shops on the way.

From its beginnings as a brave experiment in 1972, the pedestrian area – the first of its kind in Germany – has become an integral part of Munich. These days almost the entire Altstadt has been pedestrianised as a shopping area. It's hard to believe that at one time, lines of long-distance traffic wound their way through the gates of the city across the Marienplatz!

As early as the Middle Ages, passages known as "Durchhäuser" were used to link different streets through open alleys. Some of these passages later became popular shopping arcades and courtyards:

in the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade in Theatinerstrasse, hanging gardens, beautifully designed inner courtyards and an immense, suspended sphere created by sculptor Ólafur Elíasson invite shoppers to enjoy a truly sensory experience. The arcade houses elegant designer stores as well as a number of cafés and offices.

If you’ve still got time to spare after your shopping trip, why not visit one of the renowned international touring exhibitions at the Kunsthalle art museum. The complex was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.

The Schäfflerhof complex showcases the brick cladding style that is so typical of the architecture in Munich. Swiss architect Ivano Gianola intentionally selected this same material to build a bridge to the neighbouring Gothic Frauenkirche. From international fashion and elegant accessories to creative interior design ideas, all your wildest shopping dreams are sure to come true here.

The Hofstatt, which opened in 2013, quickly became the heart and soul of the surrounding district. On the former site of the offices of the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, Swiss architect Marcel Meili created a stylish shopping arcade with peaceful courtyards, combining protected historic structures with modern elements. Here, too, you will find a range of sophisticated fashion, furnishing and lifestyle shops.

In the 19th century, King Maximilian II commissioned his architect Georg Friedrich Bürklein to create what is now Maximilianstrasse in the unique “Maximilian style”. Today, it is primarily international luxury fashion and jewellery labels that line this magnificent shopping street.

The Brienner Quartier in Brienner Strasse also reflects the elegance of a high-class shopping culture in its classical buildings. During the Prince Regent period, a number of exquisite shops were established directly beside the Residenz palace, some of which are still family-owned today. Why not take a gentle stroll through the area and experience the unique blend of the traditional and the modern for yourself?

 

 

Text: München Tourismus; Illustration: Julia Pfaller; Photos: Josef Wildgruber, Werner Böhm
A woman and a man in a coat in front of the shop of Eduard Meier in Munich

A visit to the former Purveyors to the Court

We visited the former Royal Bavarian Purveyors to the Court and did some shopping in the old town - from porcelain to perfume.

We visited the former Royal Bavarian Purveyors to the Court and did some shopping in the old town - from porcelain to perfume.

Our author wears a dirndl in the store of Gottseidank in Munich

Vintage Dirndls and Hirschlederhosen

From Second-hand to a traditional store – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress. 

Second-hand, a local label, a traditional store and a hire service – we made our way through Munich's selection of traditional dress.

A man tries on a brown traditional leather shoe

Haferl shoes and Dirndl bags

We visited some traditional shops and young designers in Munich to explore their traditional costume accessories.

It's not just dirndls and lederhosen: We visited some traditional shops and young designers to explore their traditional accessories.

Two women stand in front of three large wooden doors in Munich.

A walk through Glockenbachviertel: Saskia Diez

Munich's districts through the eyes of Munich personalities: This time jewellery designer Saskia Diez shows us her Glockenbachviertel.

Munich's districts through the eyes of Munich personalities: This time jewellery designer Saskia Diez shows us her Glockenbachviertel.

Best place if longing for Italy, Mrs. Wetterich?

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich in our questionnaire.

The fashion designer Rahmée Wetterich her sister run the "Noh Nee" label, tailoring clothes that combine both Bavarian and African influences.

Flowerbed at Gärtnerplatz in Munich.

Around the Gärtnerplatz

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

Shopping far from the major department stores: at Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbachviertel individuality counts. A shopping tour.     

A view of a church reflected in a shop window in Munich.

Shopper's paradise

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

Shopping in an architecturally impressive atmosphere: a stroll through the inner city of Munich.

View of house facades at Maximilianstrasse in Munich reflected in the shop window of Valentino.

Chic flagship stores and premium brands

The density of international luxury labels in combination with long-established traditional brands is almost unique worldwide.

The density of international luxury labels in combination with long-established traditional brands is almost unique worldwide.

The Hanging Gardens in the Fünf Höfe shopping arcade

Hanging gardens and noble architecture

Explore Munich's elegant designer shops next to cafés, bars and restaurants in an extraordinary shopping ambience.

Explore Munich's elegant designer shops next to cafés, bars and restaurants in an extraordinary shopping ambience.

Pedestrian zone in Munich with one of the two towers of the Frauenkirche in Munich.

Everything under one roof

Anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour in the city centre.

Oberpollinger, Ludwig Beck or Konen – anyone who wants to explore Munich's long-established department stores starts the shopping tour at Karlsplatz-Stachus or Marienplatz.

Munich Card & City Pass

Discover Munich in a relaxed and uncomplicated way: discounts for the diverse range of art, culture and leisure activities with our guest cards.

Public transport is included

Many discounts with the Card, many things for free with the Pass.

Online or at the tourist information offices

Small meeting room of the Neues Rathaus in Munich

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Book now from 20 €

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Exterior view of the Hofbräuhaus Munich at dusk.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Book for 28€, Mass beer included!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Book now for 18 €!

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

A man drives his rickshaw and guests through the Olympic Park in Munich.

Pedicab Tour S Olympiapark

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

Book now for only 95 €!

Our guide pedals you between the green hills of the Olympic Park and along the Olympic Lake from sports venue to sports venue. The perfect exploration tour!

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

Book now for only 22 €!

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

A woman with varnished fingernails holds a gift with the inscription "simply Munich".

Vouchers

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Buy vouchers from 6,50 €

Buy now vouchers for your visit in Munich. The ideal gift! Guided tours, guest cards and more...

Panoramic view of the Neues Rathaus in Munich with the Frauenkirche in the background.

Visit of the New Town Hall Balcony

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.

Book now for only 6,50 €!

Join us on the famous balcony of the New Town Hall, where FC Bayern has celebrated a triumph many times - and enjoy the beautiful view over Marienplatz.